Description: Average adult size is 7-10 inches (18-25.4 cm). The record is 12.75 inches (32.4 cm). A small glossy brown or gray brown snake with a light yellow or cream belly. The head is small with a distinctly pointed snout. A faint light ring may be present around the neck. There are 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, and the scales are keeled. The pupils are round. Juveniles are darker than adults and have a white to light gray ring around the neck.

A. Top of the headB. Underside of the head (chin and throat)C. Keeled scalesD. Side of the headE. Front (face view) of the headF. Elongated scales below the tail (subcaudal scales) are typically divided

Range: In Florida, the Rough Earth Snake occurs in the western half of the panhandle and northern peninsula. Outside of Florida, it occurs north to Virginia and west to Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas. It is absent from most of the Mississippi River floodplain.

Habitat: Found under leaf litter and just below the soil surface in drier hammocks and pine flatwoods.

Comments:HARMLESS (Non-Venomous). The Rough Earth Snake feeds almost exclusively on earthworms, although ant larvae may also be consumed. Its pointed snout facilitates burrowing in the moist soil where its prey is found. Can be found under flat debris such as boards and old sheet metal roofing. The rough earth snake bears live young. Litters of 3-8 young are born in summer. They are 3-4.5 inches (7.6-11 cm) at birth.